Secret, prying eyes were on the 'Wizard'

Charles Proteus Steinmetz (1865-1923) taught electrical engineering and applied physics at Union. Also chief consulting engineer for the General Electric Company, he was widely regarded as America’s leading electrical engineer.

Each spring, the Steinmetz Symposium showcases undergraduate research at Union. Classes are canceled to allow parents, faculty, staff and students to sample projects from every discipline, including hundreds of oral presentations and poster presentations.

The Times Union recently reported that the FBI kept tabs on Steinmetz, a German immigrant who was outspoken in his pre-war support of Germany.